Getting Ready-
The Details - Dress, Shoes, Flowers, Rings

Time Allotment - 45 mins in the Morning

Every bride loves having those beautiful shots of all the bridal details. It’s an important part of the story and I love having some time to shoot the dress, shoes, jewelry, invitations, veil, flowers etc. These shots allow me to get warmed up for the rest of the big day. I normally like to allow at least 45 minutes for this part of the day. While I’m shooting details, I’m also capturing some shots of the bride and her girls getting ready!

If the groom is getting ready nearby, my second photographer (if you’ve selected the second photographer option) will begin photographing the boys getting ready close to 40 minutes before the ceremony or the first look, since it always takes them less time to get dressed!

Put all the details into one area with the most natural light. This allows me to shoot right away without having to find the details I need. Designating a key person to ensure that main items that need to be photographed are easily available is also helpful.

Getting Ready​ - Bride Prep

Time Allotment - 60 mins

After the details have been photographed, it’s time for the bride to get into her dress! This is a big moment! I usually ask the mother of the bride and all of the bridesmaids be dressed by the time the bride is ready to get into her dress. This ensures that everyone will look nice in those images. After the bride is in her gown, she can put on her jewelry, veil, shoes, etc and I will shoot some additional bridal portraits!

Do your best to keep the room clean for beautiful and nice photos! Some hotel rooms aren’t big enough for the bridal party and family. Try to get an additional room that can be kept empty and to have fewer worries of crowding. I also suggest getting a house on AirBnb. The benefit of getting an entire house to get ready is that everyone has space. There will be less clutter, more light and rooms to shoot the bridal party before the ceremony.

Bride and Groom Portraits​

Time Allotment - 30 mins

First Look Option -- If you choose to see each other before the ceremony, this will be one of my favorite parts of the wedding day! I will find the perfect location for my couple’s First Look prior to the getting ready portion of the day! Don’t stress about that one bit! I will make sure the location is private and as secluded as possible.

​If you choose not to, that’s okay too. But please schedule enough time after the ceremony for just the two of you. It's your wedding day and the last thing you want to do is rush through your portraits together. Schedule enough time, and be sure to secure any necessary permits for this time.

Golden Hour

Golden Hour (1 hour before sunset) is the BEST time of day for portraits in the late spring, summer and early fall! This is when the sun is glowy and golden. I love having a few extra minutes with the bride and groom to take a few more shots. This may be possible during dessert or at some other point in the evening. But if not, don't worry! It's just an option to consider.

We will start on time! 

Being a lover of natural light, my timing for your session isn’t a coincidence, it is scheduled so that we have the best lighting for your photos. (Trust me: I’m the girl looking at the sunset schedule a year in advance!) Please allow enough time when you find yourself planning and include time for travel or traffic. We will shoot until the sun sets, so if we begin a bit late, we won’t stay late! This just ensures that we are in the right place or the right light and will give you the best results!

Come prepared! 

A lot of my clients opt to get their hair and make up professionally done for their session. Make sure you allow enough time to enjoy that experience prior to the photos. If you want to arrive in your first outfit, we will get right to work (after a big hug and a little small talk!) Consider setting out your outfits the night before and making sure you have every accessory you want photographed ready!

Feel free to bring one change of clothes: 

I love to offer the opportunity for an outfit change halfway through the session. This gives you the opportunity to get a few different looks and feels with your session while maximizing our time together. Many families  opt for one dressier option and one more casual option. Warning: You may need to change in your car, depending on where we are shooting! Just be prepared for the adventure! I’ll stand guard!

It’s more than okay to feel nervous! 

Please know that I do not expect you to be models. My job is to direct you in a way that helps you relax, feel natural, and be your true comfortable selves in front of my lens. You do not need to practice poses, study Pinterest pins or let the nerves take over. By the end of the session you will feel like Tyra Banks and wonder when your big break in modeling will come! Don’t worry if you are feeling nervous, I’ll be sure the end result is something you will love!

Location, location! 

If you have another location that is near and dear to you, please don’t hesitate to tell me about it. I am true believer in telling your story in a way that is meaningful to and your family but also remember that the session is about you as a family and not where you are. There are beautiful places all around us, so if you’d rather me choose the venue, I am happy to do so!

Props, puppies, etc! 

If you’re wondering about how you can make your experience personal and memorable, feel free to bring along any props that are special to you. I want your session to scream YOU, so if that means bringing your four legged friend along or props that tell your story, please do! We can incorporate them into your photos in a fun way!  Whatever you want in your photos, I’ll do my best to make it happen!